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| Ranch and Reata Roadhouse |
DH and I go to Solvang a few times a year because his mom and stepdad have a part time residence in the area. Usually, we hang out at the house, go for a walk in the neighborhood and watch the deer as they stroll through the backyard. Maybe stop at a cute store or restaurant they've found and just enjoy life.
This past weekend, we were lucky enough to be in town during the Santa Ynez Vaquero Days and Sherry Musgrove's Holiday boutique. We also found a cute little wine lounge called Viking Garden Cellars.
Ranch & Reata Roadhouse
3569 Sagunto St.
Santa Ynez, CA 93460
(805) 691-9663
This adorable little restaurant was home to the first full service restaurant the Hosh (DH, a new nickname I'm trying out) and I have been to since Baby Buckshot was born. They were pretty busy because of the Vaquero Show but they got the food out pretty quickly. The restaurant was loud enough that a crying baby that was quickly removed from the dining room wouldn't bother too many people.
The restaurant is updated Western, obviously made for the nightlife. There's a stage setup for musical performances. I was also told that a radio show used to be broadcasted out of a recording room in the corner of the space.
Our table ordered pulled pork nachos, burgers and I had a Wyoming elk burger. It is the only restaurant I've ever been to that perfectly cooked elk so that it was better than beef! The nachos were big enough for 3 people and the pulled pork was delicious. They also make a mean truffled french fry with Figueroa Danish Red on the draft menu.
Santa Ynez Vaquero Days
3596 Sagunto St.
Santa Ynez, CA 93460
(805) 688-7889
We didn't actually see the Vaquero show but I felt the need to mention it because it's a big deal in Santa Ynez which is basically set up to look like a Western town.
It lasts the whole weekend and includes a sale of cowboy goods, a Gala dinner with live auction to raise funds for the Historical Museum, lots of demonstrations and live musical entertainment. They've been presenting Vaquero Days for 29 years!
The perfect weekend for cowboy fanatics.
Sherry Musgrove's Holiday Boutique
3992 Roblar Ave.
Santa Ynez, CA 93460
This Holiday is one of the main reasons we came to Solvang this weekend. Located in Santa Ynez, Sherry Musgrove opens her home to the public to showcase handmade crafts, culinary delights, ranch style wares and a variety of Thanksgiving and Holiday crafts. Some items are made by Sherry herself, while other items are made by local crafters and vendors.
The real star of the show is Sherry Musgrove's amazing house. It's what you would imagine Walt Disney creating if he wanted a California Ranch Home. From the adobe clay style kitchen made for entertaining to the native California themed architecture, this property is simply amazing.
We picked up a boot spur door knocker for the Hosh's parents and had some delicious homemade gingersnaps. Great pricing for a craft fair.
Viking Garden Cellars
448 Alisal Rd.Ste E |
| Santa Ynez, CA |
3569 Sagunto St.
Santa Ynez, CA 93460
(805) 691-9663
This adorable little restaurant was home to the first full service restaurant the Hosh (DH, a new nickname I'm trying out) and I have been to since Baby Buckshot was born. They were pretty busy because of the Vaquero Show but they got the food out pretty quickly. The restaurant was loud enough that a crying baby that was quickly removed from the dining room wouldn't bother too many people.
The restaurant is updated Western, obviously made for the nightlife. There's a stage setup for musical performances. I was also told that a radio show used to be broadcasted out of a recording room in the corner of the space.
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| Gorgeous Tiled and Hided Ceiling at R&R |
Santa Ynez Vaquero Days
3596 Sagunto St.
Santa Ynez, CA 93460
(805) 688-7889
We didn't actually see the Vaquero show but I felt the need to mention it because it's a big deal in Santa Ynez which is basically set up to look like a Western town.
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| Thanksgiving Goods at the Holiday Boutique |
It lasts the whole weekend and includes a sale of cowboy goods, a Gala dinner with live auction to raise funds for the Historical Museum, lots of demonstrations and live musical entertainment. They've been presenting Vaquero Days for 29 years!
The perfect weekend for cowboy fanatics.
Sherry Musgrove's Holiday Boutique
3992 Roblar Ave.
Santa Ynez, CA 93460
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| Christmas Goodies at Sherry's |
The real star of the show is Sherry Musgrove's amazing house. It's what you would imagine Walt Disney creating if he wanted a California Ranch Home. From the adobe clay style kitchen made for entertaining to the native California themed architecture, this property is simply amazing.
We picked up a boot spur door knocker for the Hosh's parents and had some delicious homemade gingersnaps. Great pricing for a craft fair.
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| Viking Garden Cellars (VGC) |
Viking Garden Cellars
Solvang, CA 93463
(805) 688-2670
The Hosh and I passed at sign on the way from Vinhus to our car that said "Wine Lounge" in front of a path that led to a well hidden storefront. High off the first outing sans Baby Buckshot since his birth, I said "Let's stop in and see if we can pick up some Christmas gifts."
This space is fairly large with indoor and outdoor seating. The bar has both beer and wine offerings. It's important to note that they flush their beer lines regularly, something most bars and restaurants do not do, according to Brad the resident Wine Guy. The Hosh had a red wine flight while I ordered a pint of the Figueroa Danish Red. I keep mentioning this beer because it is SO good. I had it for the first time at Ranch & Reata and couldn't pass it up when I saw it at VGC. Review is coming.
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| Beer List includes Figueroa Danish Red |
The wine flights are $12, a deal comparable to the tasting rooms along the same street. The highlight was a 2009 Prodigal Close Pepe Pinot Noir at the phenomenal bottle price. Christmas gifts were purchased.
Brad, the eccentric barkeep, was also extremely entertaining and has an obvious love of the crushed grape. This place is a great laid back lounge spot with a more modern feel amongst a street of more stuffy and traditional taste-and-go wine rooms.
